Swimming pool lamp frame lock



Sept. 29, 1959 K. RITTER SWIMMING POOL LAMP FRAME'LOCK Filed Oct. 28,1957 L g 38 Y 23s Q22 INVENTOR. KURT R/TTER :2l 7 i 76% 24 g w,

2 23 1 25 H/S ATTORNEYS United States Patent ()fiice 2,906,863 PatentedSept. 29, 1959,

SWIlVIMlNG POOL LAMP FRAME LOCK Kurt Ritter, Campbell, Calif.

Application. October 28, 1957, Serial No. 692,595

6 Claims. (Cl. 240-46) This invention relates to lens frames for lampsand more particularly to a lock for such frames and fixtures associatedtherewith.

' The. embodiment of the present invention is-most suited for swimmingpool' lighting fixtures or the like adapted tobe built into. the wall ofa pool below the water level therein. It is a principal object of theinvention to provide a simple yet effective locking means between a lensframe and the fixture in such. a manner as to enable removal of the lenswhen. the light globe is to be removed and replaced.

Heretofore much difficulty was encountered in. place: ment of swimmingpool light fixtures and in the securing thereof in a manner facilitatingready removal thereof for repairs.

The present invention contemplates the provision of a novel lockingmeans between a mounting frame on the pool Wall and a lens frame on thelight fixture itself. The object here is to provide a simple yeteffective locking means by which the fixture cannot be pulled out or removed by children or swimmers, yet with the use of a simple tool thelocking means can be disconnected to free the fixture for removal.

, Swimming pool lights are usually'a waterproof, unit adapted. to besubmerged and inserted into arecess in the wall of the pool to watercool the fixture- Another object is to provide, in a two part lens framestructure a novelinterlocking means employing yieldableresilient meansfor maintaining, the interlocking features inilocking engagement witheach other unless or until an outside force is applied. in a particularmanner to release the same.

More. specifically the invention entails the provision of a stationaryframe having an opening intowhich alens must be placed and aremovable.lens frame adapted to fit the opening in the stationary frame togetherwith diametrically opposed locking tabs and bolts affording quickconnection. and/or disconnection ofone from the other.

Thesev and other objectsand advantagesof the present invention willbecome apparent from a. reading of the following description in thelight of the accompanying drawings in which: 1

Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the two principal parts ofthe. lamp structure embodying the present invention.

Fig. 2. is a sectional detail view showing the two. parts of Fig. l inrelation to each other.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged foreshortened: detail section of the, parts-ofFigs. 1 and 2. in locked relation to each other.

Fig. 4: is. a vertical section. of Fig. 3 taken along line 4=-4 thereofshowing the locking means in. elevation'from the inner side of theassembly.

As best illustrated in Figs 2 and 3, the present invention is. embodiedin two main pieces and 11. Onepiece 10 is. adapted to be secured to apermanent structure whereas the piece 11 is movable relative to thefirst piece.

The two pieces 10 and 11 are each of annular shape, the part 10 being soconfigurated as to receive a portion of the part 11. In the specificembodiment of the drawing piece 10 consists of a mounting flangeadaptedto be embedded in. cement mixture during the pouring thereof soas to become anchored and firmly secured in the resulting concrete 12 toform a framearound an opening 0. This opening 0 is so formed as toprovide a mouth for a recess R in the concrete 12 for the reception of alighting fixture F. I

The lighting fixture which may be of any well known design consists of awater tight shell H housing a socket S for receiving a light globe G.Waterproof, connections and conduits of the flexible type connected tothe socket S. convey electrical current thereto from a power line, notshown, under the control of a switch, likewise not shown.

The fore or open end of the shell H is secured to the piece 11 in such amanner as to become movable therewith. To this end the piece 11comprises an annular frame. for a lens 16 coveringv the open end of theshell H. Suitable seals 17 and 18 are provided between the flange 19 ofthe shell and a flange 2t) on the frame piece 11 to prevent water fromentering the shell housing H.

The mounting flange piece 10 is preferably of L shape in cross section,the leg 21 of the piece 10 forming a cylindrical portion and the foot 22of the piece 10 constituting an inner flange, the heel or outer portion23 of which be comes, embedded. or anchored in the concrete 12. Theextreme end-or outer face 24 of the leg21 is disposed flush with. theface 25. of the pool wall, i.e., the concrete. 12. As seen in Fig, 3,this wall may be faced with tile if desired in which case the leg 21extends beyond: the rought concrete a distance to compensate for thethickness of the tile and the mastic by which it adheres. to theconcrete 12.

The lens frame piece 11 consists, of an outer fascia 26 theouter-diameter of which is comparable to: the diameter of thecylindrical portion of the mounting flange 10, so as to overlie theextreme end or outer face 24 of the leg 21 which constitutesthecylindrical portionof the mount ing flange.

The inner extremity of this fascia 26 is the flange 20. hereinpreviously mentioned. This flange 20 forms an opening comparable indiameter to the open. outer end of the shell housing H of the fixture F.This inner extremity of the lens frame 11 is the fiange 20 against whichthe lens 16 is pressed.

The lens frame piece 11 is substantially of T shape in cross section,the fascia 26 forming the cap of the T shape while the leg portion 28thereof extends inwardly (see Fig. 1 toward the fixtureF a depth.sufficient to receive the lens 16 and the two sealing rings 17 and 18,previously mentioned. 2

As best seen. in Fig.v 3. thesealingring 17 lies against the flange 20,the lens 16 having its outer extremity overlying the ring 17 itselfbeing overlaid by the sealing ring 18. As illustrated Fig. 3 the flange19 at the open end of the shell H is embeddedin the sealing ring 18= andthe latter is pressed toward the lens 16- by a securing ri'ng'29.

The securing. ring 29 has an inner diameter such as to fit over theshell H from its inner endand to circumscribe theshell adjacent itsflange '19. This ring 29 extends beyond the base end 30 ofthe. legportion 28' of the T shaped lens: frame piece 11. The ring 29 also has aplurality of cars 31. at spaced intervals around its perimeter tooverlie bosses 32 similarly spaced around the'cylindrical face of theleg portion 28 of the frame piece 11. The cars 31 are bored to receiveheaded machine screws 33- and the bosses 32 are bored and tapped toreceive the the screws 33 into the tapped bores of bosses 32 the ring 29is pressed firmly against the sealing ring 19. In this manner the lens16 is likewise pressed against the sealing ring 18 and the sealingsrings being preferably of rubber are compressed so as to establish agood water tight seal.

Having thus described the environment of the present invention thefollowing is a clear and concise description of the salient featuresupon which invention is predicated. The invention herein resides in alocking means for the two part lens frame 11 and mounting 10 previouslyexplained.

The locking means of the present invention comprises diametricallyopposed keepers 35 and 36 each having component parts thereof on themounting flange 10 and lens frame 11 respectively.

The keepers 35 and 36 are preferably arranged one above the other tofacilitate ease of handling and assembly of the two parts to be joined.The keeper 35, which is lowermost, comprises a dovetail socket 37provided in an enlarged projection 38 formed beneath the leg portion 28of the T shaped cross section of the lens frame 11. This socket 37 isopen on its lower surface to receive a wedge shaped rubber member 39which becomes suitably anchored Within the dovetail socket by reason ofthe spread end 40 of the rubber member 39 being compressed into thesame. The rubber member 39 has its narrower end 41 extended slightlyfrom the projection 38 so as to bear against a detent 42 formedintegrally with the mounting flange 10 at a position to meet the rubbermember 39. As best seen in Fig. 1 the detent 42 is preferably aprojection up from the leg portion 21 of the L cross sectioned mountingflange 10. This projection terminates in an apex which is approximatelythe width of the rubber member so as to present a chordal ridge 43adapted to press into the yieldable rubber member 39.

The keeper 36, which is uppermost, comprises a bolt-like extension 46 onthe upper outer side of the leg portion 28 of the T shaped frame member11. This bolt extension 46 has a notch 47 formed on its upper surface soas to receive a strike plate or extension 48 formed integrally with theleg portion 21 of the L shaped mounting flange 10.

As best illustrated in Fig. 3, the strike plate 48 is wedge shaped incross section, i.e., along the diametric plane in which the two keepers35 and 36 are disposed. The strike plate extension 48 is narrowest atits point of juncture with the outer face 24 of the mounting flange 10.The plate 48 increases in depth inwardly of the leg member 21 to providea cam surface 49 as well as an abutment edge 50 on the same. Theabutment edge 50 is adapted to engage behind the fore end 51 of the bolt46 formed on the lens frame 11. This fore end 51 of the bolt 46 has acam shaped upper surface 52 comparable to the cam surface 49 formed onthe strike plate. Thus it will be seen that the fore end 51 of the boltmember 46 also presents an abutment edge 53 inside the notch 47 forengaging the abutment edge 50 behind the strike plate 48.

The combined action of the two diametrically opposed keepers 35 and 36is as follows:

Referring to Fig. 2 note that the lens frame 11 is held in such a maneras to dispose the fixture F within the recess or chamber R formed in theconcrete 12. The frame 11 is held on a slant with the rubber member 39resting upon the ridge 43 of the detent 42. The frame 11 is then rocked(clockwise Fig. 2) toward the mounting flange 10 whereupon the camsurface 52 of the bolt 46 will contact the cam surface 49 on the strikeplate 48.

It should here be noted that the distance between the extended narrowend 41 of the rubber member 39 and the cam surface 52 on the bolt 46 isslightly greater than the distance between the ridge 43 of the detent 42and the cam surface 49 on the strike plate 48. Consequently, the upperend of the lens frame 11 must be pushed against the mounting flange 10with considerable force. When this is done the cam 49 on the stationarystrike plate 48 forces the whole lens frame 11 downwardly causing theridge 43 of the detent 42 to compress the rubber member 39. Duringcompression of the rubber member 39 by the stationary detent 42 theframe 11 is still moving toward the mounting flange 10 (clockwise Fig.2). However, as soon as the fore end 51 of the bolt 46 passes the strikeplate 48 the rubber member 39 will expand to lift or force the entireframe 11 upwardly relative to the mounting flange whereupon the fore end51 of the bolt 46 will be lodged behind the strike plate 48. Thus theabutment edge 53 on the fore end 51 of the bolt 46 engages the abutmentedge 50 on the inner end of the strike plate 48.

In the foregoing manner the lens frame with fixture attached is firmlyheld by the mounting flange. It should here be noted that the flange 20on the lens frame 11 does not afford a water tight seal against theouter face 24 of the mounting flange 10. Since the shell housing H iswaterproof and a water tight seal is afforded at the open end of thefixture F the entire lighting unit within shell H, although below thewater level, is isolated from the water. Consequently, although watermay enter the recess or chamber R, since the shell H is water tight andall wires are of a waterproof character no contact of water withelectrical conductors or units can occur.

Should replacement of a bulb be necessary it is a simple operation toremove the fixture from the mounting flange and recess. Note that theouter face 24 of the leg portion 21 of the mounting flange 10 has a cutaway or gap 60 formed therein adjacent the strike plate 48. This isclearly shown in Fig. 1. In Fig. 3 the gap 60 leaves a crevice betweenthe flange 20 of the lens frame 11 and the mounting flange 10. Thiscrevice at gap 60 admits entrance of the tip of a screw driver or anyother suitable flat tipped tool or bar. Such tool being rigid can bepressed down upon the bolt 46 to again press the rubber member 39 downupon the ridge 43 of the detent 42. The moment the abutment edge 53 onthe fore end 51 of the bolt 46 is forced below the abutment edge 50 onthe inner end of the strike plate 48 the lens frame 11 will be spreadaway from the mounting flange 10. This spreading or movement of theupper end of the frame 11 away from the mounting flange can be effectedby a manual rocking or prying action of the tool or screw driver,previously mentioned. The lens frame 11 is thereby rocked away from themounting flange 10 (counterclockwise Figs. 2 and 3). In either case,whether connecting or disconnecting the lens frame relative to themounting flange, the ridge 43 of the detent 42 serves as a fulcrum aboutwhich the frame 11 rocks either toward or from the mounting flange 10.

Having thus described the lock for swimming pool lamps in specificdetail it will be appreciated that the same may be altered, varied and/or modified without departure from the spirit of my invention. Itherefore desire to avail myself of all modifications, variations and/oralterations as fairly come within the purview of the ap pended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a lens frame adapted to fit against a mounting flange, a lockingmeans comprising a detent on said mounting flange and extending radiallyinward therefrom, a rubber cushion embedded in said lens frame to engagesaid detent to provide a fulcrum for said lens frame, a keeperdiametrically opposite said fulcrum comprising a' strike plate on saidmounting flange having a cam surface terminating in an inner abutmentedge, and a bolt on said lens frame having a cam surface engageable bythe cam surface of said strike plate for compressing said rubber cushiononto said detent until said bolt passes said strike plate and engagesbehind the abutment ledge thereof. 0

2. In ,a lens frame adapted to fit against a mounting flange a lockingmeans comprising a detent on said mounting flange and extending radially.inward therefrom, a rubber cushion embedded in said lens frame forengaging said detent to provide a fulcrum for said lens frame, a,'keeper diametrically opposite said fulcrum comprising a strike plate onsaid mounting flange having a cam surface terminating in an innerabutment edge, and a bolt on said lens frame having a cam surfaceengageable by the cam surface of said strike plate for compressing saidrubber cushion onto said detent during movement of said lens frametoward said mounting flange until said bolt passes said strike platewhereupon said rubber cushion expands to urge said bolt behind theabutment ledge of said strike plate.

3. In a lens frame adapted to fit against a mounting flange a lockingmeans comprising a detent extending inwardly from said frame having aridge, a rubber cushion embedded in said lens frame to engage the ridgeof said detent to provide a fulcrum for said lens frame, a cam-likestrike plate formed on said mounting flange diametrically opposite saidfulcrum terminating in an inner abutment edge, and a bolt on said lensframe diametrically opposite said rubber cushion for engaging the camsurface of said strike plate for compressing said rubber cushion ontosaid detent until said bolt passes said strike plate and engages behindthe abutment ledge thereof.

4. The combination with a mounting flange having a cylindrical portionembedded in a wall and a lens frame having a cylindrical leg portionreceivable within the cylindrical portion of said flange including afascia portion disposed to abut and cover the open end of the latter, alocking means comprising a detent extending radially inward from thecylindrical portion of said flange,

a rubber cushion member secured to the cylindrical leg portion of saidframe for bearing engagement with said detent, a cam-like keeper formedon the cylindrical portion of said flange diametrically opposite saiddetent provided with an abutment edge inwardly of the open end of saidflange, and a bolt formed on the cylindrical leg portion of said lensframe diametrically opposite said rubber cushion member for compressingthe latter down upon said detent upon engagement of said bolt with saidcam-like keeper, said bolt being adapted to lodge behind said keeper andto be urged upwardly into latching engagement with the same by expansionof said rubber cushion member.

5. In an underwater light fixture for swimming pools and the like, amounting flange having a cylindrical portion embedded in a wall of saidpool, a lens frame having a cylindrical leg portion receivable withinthe cylindrical portion of said flange, said lens frame having anintegral fascia portion disposed to abut and cover the open end of thecylindrical leg portion of said mounting flange, and means forreleasably locking said frame to said flange comprising a detentextending radially inward from the cylindrical portion of said flange, arubber cushion member secured to the cylindrical leg portion of saidframe for bearing engagement upon said detent, a cam-like keeper formedon the cylindrical portion of said flange diametrically opposite saiddetent provided with an abutment edge inwardly of the open end of saidflange, and a bolt formed on the cylindrical leg portion of said lensframe diametrically opposite said rubber cushion member for compressingthe latter onto said detent during engagement of said bolt with saidcam-like keeper as it passes the latter.

6. The combination with a fixed mounting flange having a cylindricalportion and a lens frame having a cylindrical leg portion receivablewithin the cylindrical portion of said flange and an integral fasciaportion disposed to abut and cover the open end of the latter; aprojection on the outer periphery of the cylindrical leg portion of saidlens frame provided with a dovetailed socket facing the cylindricalportion of said flange, a wedge shaped rubber cushion member having itsspread end anchored in said dovetailed socket, a detent on the innerperiphery of the cylindrical portion of said flange provided with achordal ridge adapted to provide fulcrum engagement with the rubbercushion member on said lens'frame, a bolt formed on the periphery of thecylindrical leg portion of said lens frame diametrically opposite saidprojection, and a cam-like keeper formed on the inner periphery of thecylindrical portion of said flange for engagement by said bolt when saidlens frame is rocked about the fulcrum between said'detent and rubbercushion member for compressing the latter onto said detent and forlatchingly engaging said bolt member when the latter is elevated behindsaid keeper upon expansion of said rubber cushion member.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Spiroet al. Jan. 15, 1957

